What Is 2018-19 World Rugby Sevens Series

Overview

The 2018–19 World Rugby Sevens Series marked the 20th edition of the premier global circuit for international rugby sevens, organized by World Rugby. This fast-paced, high-scoring competition featured both men’s and women’s divisions, showcasing elite athleticism and strategic play across ten global destinations.

Running from December 2018 to June 2019, the series served as a critical platform for national teams to earn World Series points and prepare for the Olympic Games. With events on five continents, the series emphasized rugby’s growing international footprint and appeal.

• New Zealand clinched the men’s title with 194 points, securing victories in Sydney, Hong Kong, and London.
• The USA women’s team made history by winning their first series championship with 104 points, surpassing Australia and New Zealand.
• Each tournament awarded points based on final standings, with the winner earning 20 points and lower placings receiving fewer.
• The season kicked off in Dubai on December 1, 2018, and concluded in London on June 8–9, 2019.
• 16 men’s teams and 12 women’s teams competed in core events, ensuring consistent global representation.

How It Works

The World Rugby Sevens Series operates on a cumulative points system across multiple tournaments, where national teams earn rankings based on performance. Each event follows a similar structure: pool play followed by knockout rounds to determine final standings and point allocation.

• Format: Each tournament uses a pool stage with four groups of four teams; top teams advance to Cup quarterfinals, others compete in lower brackets.
• Scoring: Teams earn 3 points for a win, 2 for a draw, and 1 for a loss in pool play, with knockout results determining final standings.
• Points System: Series points range from 20 for first place down to 1 for 16th, influencing season rankings and Olympic qualification.
• Global Rotation: Events were hosted in Dubai, Cape Town, Sydney, Vancouver, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Twickenham, and Paris, ensuring diverse time zones and climates.
• Women’s Inclusion: The women’s series ran parallel, with 12 core teams competing for the title, highlighting gender parity in elite rugby.
• Olympic Impact: Strong series performance contributed to 2020 Tokyo Olympic seeding, making it vital for national programs.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the top five teams in the men’s and women’s 2018–19 World Rugby Sevens Series standings:

The table highlights the competitive balance in both divisions, with New Zealand dominating the men’s circuit and the USA breaking through in the women’s. Close point margins—such as the 2-point gap between USA and New Zealand in the women’s series—emphasize the high level of competition. These standings were crucial for Olympic qualification and national funding decisions.

Why It Matters

The 2018–19 World Rugby Sevens Series played a pivotal role in advancing the sport’s global profile, particularly in emerging markets and for women’s rugby. Its fast-paced format attracts younger audiences and provides a pathway for nations outside traditional rugby powers to compete at the highest level.

• Increased viewership: Broadcast reach expanded to over 100 countries, boosting rugby’s visibility in non-traditional regions.
• Women’s growth: The USA’s title win inspired increased investment in women’s national programs across North America.
• Olympic preparation: The series served as a key qualifier and training ground for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
• Player development: Emerging stars like Randall Ramsey (Fiji) and Megan Jones (USA) gained international exposure.
• Commercial growth: Sponsorship deals increased by 18% year-on-year, reflecting growing brand confidence.
• Global expansion: Events in Los Angeles and Vancouver strengthened rugby’s presence in North America.

With its blend of speed, skill, and global inclusivity, the 2018–19 series reinforced rugby sevens as a dynamic force in international sports, setting the stage for future expansion and Olympic success.